Contributor Brian Lohnes Receives MPMC Award

Brian Lohnes was honored with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) 2017 Robert E. Petersen Award at the 2018 MPMC Media Trade Conference Media Appreciation Reception last month. This accolade is bestowed upon individuals in the media industry who make recognizable positive impacts on the motorsports industry. Criteria include “a substantial, recognizable, positive editorial contribution to the industry during the 2017 calendar year/2017 racing season; an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports industry; and an active member of the print, electronic, or broadcast media” (www.sema.org/mtc/petersen-award). Previous recipients include Michael Murray (2016), Chad Reynolds (2015), John DiBartolomeo (2014), current Diesel Power editor KJ Jones (2013), Jim Ryan (2012), James Lawrence (2011), Steve Wolcott (2010), and many more.

“It is surreal to be recognized by the industry and my peers in this way,” Lohnes said. “I work hard to do the best job that I can, and like everyone else, I do not do it for accolades. I do it because I love what I do. This recognition is unspeakably cool and humbling. I looked around the room when I received the award. So many people who I respect and look up to were there. It was pretty overwhelming. I truly and honestly love this industry, and to have the industry recognize me for my work is just unbelievable in the best way.”

We’d like to call him “our own,” as Brian has contributed to the Truck Trend and Four Wheeler Networks over the years, not to mention others including the Hot Rod Network. In addition to writing many features for Diesel Power, he also hosted the Diesel Power Challenge (DPC) for several years. Brian conveys knowledge, professionalism, and fun, all while bringing out the very best in the DPC competitors.

Brian’s a busy guy, and as much as we’d like to hog him to ourselves as “our own,” he’s way bigger than just us. Brian is an NHRA announcer, the host of Velocity’s Motorhead Garage, and is the editor-in-chief of a digital publication—for example.